"To be a man, a boy must see a man." (J.R. Moehringer)

Many clinicians find it easier to tell parents their child has a brain-based disorder than suggest parenting changes.
Jennifer Harris (psychiatrist)

Types of Depression Diagnosed in Young People

TYPES OF DEPRESSION DIAGNOSED IN YOUNG PEOPLE(the Oxford Psychiatric Dictionary lists 25 different types of depression)Listed below are the most commona) MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER (MDD)– serious depression lasts an average of 7-9 months – similar to adult depression in some ways – sadness – pessimism – sleep & appetite disturbance – decrease in concentration – dissimilar in some ways – anxiety – irritability – overly sensitive – eating & sleeping too muchb) DYSTHYMIC DISORDER– milder but more chronic – low level depression – usually able to carry out daily routines but requires major effort – continues for years – often progresses into major depressionc) DOUBLE DEPRESSION– combination of above – serious and chronicd) BIPOLAR (manic depressive)– unusual & extreme swings in mood and energy – may cycle each day or several times per year – frequently begins with depressive episode in youth – runs in families – research suggests 20-40% of adolescents with MDD develop bipolar within 5 years – usually starts in adolescence or early adulthood and continues throughout life – equal male & femalee) REACTIVE DEPRESSION– most common form of mood problem – brought on by disturbing experience – lasts anywhere from a few hours and a few weeks – least serious – not considered a mental disorder